Cervantes drove away after hitting the man, then rolled a GMC pickup truck on the 5 freeway, Wunsch said. He was taken to a hospital and later arrested and booked on suspicion of felony hit and run.

Police did not release the name of the man who was killed. They said property that possibly belonged to the victim was found in Cervantes' possession.

Police asked anyone who saw the collision or helped change a flat tire near Lankershim Boulevard and Sherman Way to call Valley Traffic detectives at 818-644-8034.

People also can call the LAPD tipline at 877-LAPD-247 (527-3247). Those who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or text the organization by sending "LAPD" followed by a message to CRIMES (274637).